Reading FC boss Brian McDermott delighted with Hope Akpan's start at the club

Hope Akpan has so far been a signing that has lived up to his name for Reading.

Reading FC boss Brian McDermott is delighted by Hope Akpan's start at the club

Hope Akpan has so far been a signing that has lived up to his name for Reading.

With the youngster’s £300,000 arrival from League One outfit Crawley Town, there has been a somewhat unexepcetd up-turn in results.

But one man who never doubted that the 21-year-old midfielder would be a hit at Madejski Stadium was manager Brian McDermott.

“I knew Hope’s ability and that he would fit in,” said McDermott of his new recruit who already has three assists to his name and made his full Premier League debut in last Saturday’s 2-1 win over Sunderland.

“He wants to play and I’m pleased he has made his debut and we got a result.

“Now he is a very important part of our squad. I think he looks a bit of a snip already.

“I don’t think you could get him for the money we got him now.

“You’ve got to give credit to Crawley as well. They have brought the player on.”

Akpan is in line to start only his second top-flight game tomorrow – away to Tony Pulis’ 10th-placed Stoke City (3pm kick-off).

Seen by many as a player for the future, Akpan, a former Everton trainee, has proved to be a ready-made Premier League player.

“I never have expectations, I just wait and see what happens when the guy turned up,” continued McDermott.

“I like his personality and I like him as a player. He’s a refreshing guy and asked me questions when I first met him about how he could improve.

He wanted to talk about football and what he needed to do. This is the perfect place for him too.

“I’m sure the move would have been questioned by some people, but we believe he can do really well. Looking at his last couple of performances you can see that.”

And McDermott added: “We don’t sign players that think they have made it. Look at Ian Harte.

“He has made it 10 times over and played in a Champions League semi-final.

“Every day he is still trying to get better and he doesn’t even think he has made it. He’s such a humble guy.